'A beginners guide to Hong Kong' (as told by a couple of beginners)

After several months of planning, weeks of excited anticipation and a few days of not enough sleep, we have finally arrived in our first destination, Hong Kong.

Firstly a few tips about flying for those who might not have much experience in this area. 'Take care when opening the overhead lockers as baggage can move during the flight', you hear this as part of the safety briefing, what you don't hear is, 'occasionally an overhead locker may pop open during take off, causing your cabin bag to hang precariously over the aisle and above the head of the blissfully unaware passenger in front of you. If this does occur, hope that your traveling companion has long enough arms to act as a human prop whilst still restrained in their seat until the steepest part of the take off has been completed and a crew member can safely stagger up the aisle to close it.

Do's and Dont's

-Don't be fooled by the blissfully cool temperature in Hong Kong airport - in this very modern and spotlessly clean airport they have extremely efficient air conditioning.

-Don't bother changing your clothes in the airport just because you've been wearing them for the duration of your traveling day which included a twelve hour flight (unless of course you are clad for winter). When you step outside you will discover what 34 degrees feels like when combined with over 80 percent humidity and you will sweat, lots!

-Don't accept the 'generous' offer of a room upgrade (with of course a 'special' upgrade price attached), if arriving early at your hotel. Chances are when you return later in the day to get your room key you will have been upgraded anyway, for free, (thanks to whoever it was that gave us that advice).

-Don't be alarmed by the $550 per person price tag being offered for the deluxe pass on the 'Hong Kong Big Bus', (hop on hop off bus). The exchange rate with the New Zealand dollar is approximately 1:5 so it's just over $100 per person, valid a full 48 hours and well worth the money. Included are are a trip up the Peak Tram (and you get to skip the queue), three different day bus routes, a night bus tour around Kowloon, an hour long daytime harbour cruise, a ride on a sanpam around the floating village, several tickets for the Star Ferry and a museum pass. The bus rides as well as taking you to distinctive landmarks gives you a glimpse into Hong Kong's fascinating history with its informative commentary.

-Do ride the peak tram to the top of Victoria Peak, the 360 degree views are spectacular and if you are a 'Forrest Gump' fan, there is a Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant at the top.

-Do take a night harbour tour on the Aqua Luna, a traditional Chinese junk. Watch the 'symphony of lights' light show, whilst cruising on Victoria Harbour and sit back & relax after a busy day exploring the city, while sipping on an ice cold beer or wine under the spectacularly lit red sails.

-Do remember to drink plenty of water, it's hot, really really hot (in the summer anyway) and the humidity is so high you will sweat, a lot!

-Don't be surprised if you get hassled by slightly 'dodgy' men while walking up the harbour end of Nathan Road, Kowloon (main shopping street in Kowloon), they will want to sell you 'copy watches', 'copy handbags', Gucci, Prada, you name it, or offer to tailor you a suit. If you aren't interested in buying ignore them. They most likely speak two languages only, their own & English, so don't say a word or perhaps try 'parlez-vous francais', they'll soon leave you alone.

-Do take a trip out to the Tian Tan Buddha (or the 'Big Buddha') near the airport. The cable car ride to Ngong Ping village is breathtaking, then a short walk takes you to the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Budda on the hill. Walk the 260 steps to the top to get a true sense of the immense size of the Big Buddha, at 34 metres tall, he really is big. The views from the top are spectacular and despite all the tourists and local visitors there is a real sense of peace and calm.

-Do have lunch in the cafe at the monastery, by the Big Buddha. You may have no idea what you are eating (all vegetarian), but the taste is great and it's very very cheap.

-Do take a visit to the markets in Kowloon. Our highlights were the goldfish (and tropical fish) market, where plastics bags filled with water and live fish are displayed, ready for purchase for home aquariums, at prices considerably cheaper than in New Zealand. The bird market, where birds of all shapes, sizes and colors are displayed (for sale) in fancy cages, that are also included in the purchase price, and the flower market, more like a massive florist shop on steroids. Highly fragrant flowers are sold by the bunch and also in intrically designed bouquets and posies.

-Do visit the Avenue of the Stars', along the waterfront on the Kowloon side. There are spectacular view of Hong Kong Island from here and it's another great spot to watch the 'Symphony of the lights'.

-Do take a ride across Victoria Harbour on the 'Star Ferry', they run from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and there is plenty to see and do on both sides so it doesn't matter which side you are staying. The service started running in 1880 and is now rated one of the top ten most exciting ferry rides in the world, probably due to the spectacular view, particularly at night.

-Do take a trip on the 'Ding Ding'. These are double decker trams that run through the centre of the city on Hong Kong Island. The locals use these as daily transport and you get to see a different part of the city while just sitting back and relaxing. A one way ride costs approximately 40 cents (NZ) and you can't get lost, the tram just goes to the end of the line, then back again.

-Do sample the local cuisine. There's McDonalds in Hong Kong, you can buy pizza, a burger or steak, but you can get that at home. Eat where the locals eat, be a bit adventurous and try something you've never had before.

Finally

-Do take the time to take in the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant and culturally diverse city.